Sections:
A- RGMS Scholarship
B- Education Outreach
C- Future Rockhounds of America
D- History
A. Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. Scholarship
University of Nevada Reno
Truckee Meadows Community College
RGMS Earth Sciences Scholarship - $1,500
To be eligible for this $1,500 scholarship applicant must be at least a part-time student
taking 6 credits or more and enrolled into either Truckee Meadows Community College or the University of Nevada—Reno.
The student majoring in earth science (including geology, geophysics,
environmental science, seismology, or other specialties in the field) are the primary focus of the scholarship. However, applications pursuing a minor degree in earth science or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) majors will also be considered if there is a shortage of applicants in Earth Sciences.
A 3.0 GPA or above is required.
Two-hundred-word essay maximum, explaining yourself and career objectives**
The candidate that is awarded the scholarship agrees to send a digital photo of themselves suitable for framing.
Scholarship deadline: None
Send essay to subject line:
RGMS Scholarship Committee
snorm11@hotmail.com
**Students maintain all rights and ownership of their original work (essay) and no content will be used in any way without permission from the candidate.
B: EDUCATION OUTREACH Reno Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.
Mission: Educate children or adults about earth sciences and the useful application of rocks, gems, and fossils, especially from Nevada mineral resources.
If you are interested in a free presentation called World of Rocks and Minerals, please email some dates and times to snorm11@hotmail.com for additional details of classes that last about an hour depending on the requirements of the class.
The presentation shows and explains igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary rocks, including common ore metals, quartz, fossils, and Nevada minerals. Students/participants then get a hands-on experience to pick up and handle the specimens. A general overview of plate tectonics, volcanic process, and erosion are explained in the development of minerals as part of the rock cycle. There is a small rock gift for each student/participant along with teachers.
The program aligns with Washoe Country Science Standards*. Specific topics can be requested and taught to the ability of the presentation team. We are not geologists but enjoy rocks and minerals. Safety concerns are discussed about the dangers of abandoned mines and tips for anyone who wants to collect rocks in Nevada's great outdoors.
Steve Norman
Retired Washoe County Teacher
Education Outreach
775-560-4782
*Grade level standards used in the presentation:
3rd Grade Unit Guide: 3-PS2-3. Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.
3-PS2-4. Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.
4th Grade Unit Guide with 4-ESS1-1 Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time. Clarification Statement: Examples: rock layers, fossils, river and mountain erosion. 4-ESS2-1 Observation on effects of weathering. 4-ESS2-2 Interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features. Example topographic map of Reno area to show mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes. ESS3-1 Information on energy and fuels derived from natural resources. Example: lithium and coal found in Nevada. 4-ESS3-2 discusses the impact of natural Earth-process such as volcanoes and earthquake activity. 4-ESS3-1.with 14-PS4-1. develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength and that waves can cause objects to move. Clarification Statement: Examples of wavelength and amplitude of waves. 4-PS4-2.1 Describe how light reflecting from objects and entering the eye allows objects to be seen by using fluorescent materials found in special rocks. 5th Grade Unit with 5-PS1-1. Describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen. 5-ESS2-1.1 Describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact. Clarification Statement: Examples of the influence of erosion on ecosystems, and landform shapes.
C: Future Rockhounds of America (FRA)
The schedule for 2022 is for Saturday from 2 PM to 3:30 PM. The dates are October 22, November 12, and December 10.
Students from ages 6 to 16 are invited to attend. Students earn badges from the American Federation of Mineral Societies. Students build a collection of rocks, catalog, and label, then store the collection for easy viewing. The program involved learning many areas of Earth Science including, rocks and minerals and their characteristics as well as their uses. The rock cycle will be taught as well as mineral identification, and geology concepts including volcanoes and plate tectonics, making crystals, some basic skills at beading, wire wrap, and art projects with rocks.
Our goal is to make learning a part of having fun with lots of hands-on activities.
Please email snorm11@hotmail.com or give me a call at 775-560-4782 if you are interested in the program for your child or with your child and a friend. You do not need to be a member to attend. Preference will be given to Reno Gem and Mineral Society, Inc. members and their families if the classes become cumbersome with too many students.
Classes are instructed by Society members including Steve Norman, a retired school teacher.
Classes will be held at The Rock Building 480 South Rock Blvd, Sparks, NV, This is the classroom and meeting room for the Reno Gem and Mineral Society, Inc. on the corner of Pittman and Rock Blvd. across from Delmar Furniture Store.
D: History
Each year, the Reno Gem and Mineral Society’s Educational Outreach Team presents a program to local schools and other interested groups. The mission is to develop an interest in minerals and earth sciences. The Education Outreach team was busy in 2019 when the World of Rocks and Minerals was presented by society members Rachel Carroll, Sven Sander, Kate Tangren, Bobbi Metzger, San Knipmeyer, and Steve Norman. We reached about 1,500 students across 52 classrooms in 18 schools, as well as Scout troops at four libraries, and two Outdoor Experience camps. Introduction to Agates was presented by Lori Peterson at two Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) classrooms. Web Varnum also presents mineral education to students in the rural areas of central Nevada.
Each group of students was given a rock as a gift, some of which were provided by John Peterson, Sam Knipmeyer, Alan Metzger, or Steve Rose. Nevada Division of Minerals provides safety information to all participants to stay out of mines with flyers and other fun novelties for students,